Definitely Meaning

UK /ˈdɛfɪnɪtli/
US /ˈdɛfɪnətli/
Word Definition
definitely meaning

Definitely Definition & Usage

adverb

Used to indicate that something is without doubt or uncertainty; for sure.

Examples

  • "I will definitely attend the meeting tomorrow."
  • "She definitely needs a break after such a long day."
  • "That movie was definitely worth watching."
  • "I definitely remember seeing her at the party last night."
  • "He is definitely the best candidate for the job."
adverb

Used in informal speech to stress enthusiasm or wholehearted agreement.

Examples

  • "Are you going to the concert tonight? Oh, definitely!"
  • "Will you be back tomorrow? Definitely, I wouldn’t miss it!"
  • "Do you like pizza? Definitely, it's my favorite food."
  • "That sounds like a great idea! Definitely."
  • "Are you excited for the weekend? Definitely, I can’t wait!"

Cultural Context

'Definitely' has been used in English for centuries, and it evolved from the Latin word 'definitivus,' meaning 'final or certain.' The adverb is now widely used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is particularly common in casual conversation as a way of confirming or emphasizing certainty.

The Adventure of Certainty

Story

The Adventure of Certainty

Emma had been unsure for weeks whether she should take the job offer in New York City. The decision seemed huge, and she felt torn between staying close to her family or pursuing her dream career in one of the world's busiest cities. On the eve of her final decision, she met her best friend, Mia, for coffee to discuss it. 'Emma, you’ve been talking about this job for months,' Mia said, her eyes shining with excitement. 'You’ve always dreamed of working at that firm. What are you waiting for?' Emma sighed and stirred her coffee. 'I don’t know. It’s such a big move. What if I don’t fit in? What if it’s harder than I think?' Mia smiled and leaned forward. 'Listen, you’ve got this. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. You’ll definitely succeed there. I know you will.' Emma’s heart fluttered. Her friend's confidence was contagious, and for the first time, Emma felt a spark of certainty. 'You really think so?' she asked. 'Definitely,' Mia replied, her voice full of conviction. 'You’re talented, driven, and you’ve got the right attitude. New York won’t know what hit it.' The next morning, as Emma sat down to write her resignation letter, her mind was finally clear. She would definitely go to New York. She wasn’t just saying it to herself — she *knew* it. The move wasn’t just about the job, it was about believing in herself. Months later, Emma stood in her new office, a city skyline visible from the windows. She thought back to the day Mia had given her that final push. 'You were right,' Emma whispered to herself. 'I definitely made the right choice.' The certainty that had once eluded her had now become the foundation of her new life.

The Adventure of Certainty